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Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab

For AAS measurements, samples must be introduced as clear solutions, often requiring extensive preliminary treatment to dissolve materials like soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common methods for sample preparation include treatment with hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, or fusion with reagents.
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is a technique used to analyze elements by measuring electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorbed by atoms, which causes them to transition to a higher-energy orbit. The most crucial step in AAS is atomization, where the analyte is converted into gas-phase atoms, typically through a flame or furnace. Some of these atoms become thermally excited in the flame, while most remain in the ground state.
When irradiated by EMR of a particular wavelength, these...

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the aerosol...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab

AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2022

An indirect atomic-absorption method for the determination of selenium.

H K Lau¹, P F Lott

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, U.S.A.

|March 1, 1971

Summary

A new indirect atomic-absorption method offers a sensitive way to measure selenium. This technique uses palladium absorption after forming a specific complex, improving upon existing methods for trace selenium detection.

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Quantification of Metal Leaching in Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

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Determination of Inorganic Arsenic in a Wide Range of Food Matrices using Hydride Generation - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

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Quantification of Metal Leaching in Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography

Quantification of Metal Leaching in Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography

Published on: January 17, 2020

Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Science

Background:

Direct determination of selenium is challenging.
Existing atomic-absorption methods for selenium lack sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a more sensitive indirect atomic-absorption method for selenium determination.
To establish optimal reaction and instrumental conditions for the new method.

Main Methods:

Indirect atomic-absorption spectroscopy.
Formation of the palladium complex, Pd(DanSe)(2)Cl(2).
Measurement of palladium absorption as a proxy for selenium concentration.

Main Results:

The developed method successfully determines selenium indirectly.
Optimized conditions include specific reaction parameters, separation techniques, and instrumental settings.
The method is effective for analyzing samples in the sub-ppm range.

Conclusions:

This indirect atomic-absorption method provides enhanced sensitivity for selenium detection.
The technique overcomes the difficulties associated with direct selenium measurement.
It offers a viable alternative for trace selenium analysis in various samples.